Former Ngapuhi chairman Rudy Taylor has dismissed the idea that Ngapuhi could play a major role in the king movement.
"That will never work up here in Ngapuhi," he said.
Talks are underway at Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia to decide who will fill the shoes of Maori Queen Te Arikinui Dame Te
Atairangikaahu.
Ngapuhi chairman Sonny Tau is reported as saying that if the leadership of the kingitanga movement did not go to a direct descendant of Dame Te Ata's, Ngapuhi would lodge its interest in assuming the mantle.
But back in Northland, Mr Taylor said Ngapuhi respected Dame Te Ata "but she was not our queen".
Some Ngapuhi would say that for iwi members to talk of Ngapuhi becoming involved in the king movement was simply "cheeky", but others would say "they don't speak for us".
"It's not really for the North," he said.
